Scope
Reference
EPP0308
Description
Essex County Council, through the Essex Procurement Partnership, is carrying out Preliminary Market Engagement on behalf of Rochford District Council for the upcoming procurement of its Mill Hall Arts and Events Centre Operator tender. The Council is looking to appoint a supplier to manage and operate the Mill Arts and Events Centre. The contract will be formed of leasehold and management contract thereby transferring the operation of the Mill and all its activities to an external party. The Council will be seeking a long-term commitment with an experienced company, organisation or trust that combines prudent business planning as well as artistic vision and innovation. Your feedback will be invaluable in helping us ensure the contract is structured in a way that delivers value for money, promotes sustainability, and supports innovation. Below are key areas of interest. Please provide responses where applicable. You are not required to answer every question - focus on areas relevant to your expertise or service offering.
Total value (estimated)
- £5,000,000 excluding VAT
- £6,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2041
- Possible extension to 31 May 2046
- 20 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 92000000 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services
- 98000000 - Other community, social and personal services
Contract locations
- UKH36 - Heart of Essex
Engagement
Engagement deadline
1 December 2025
Engagement process description
Essex County Council, through the Essex Procurement Partnership, is carrying out Preliminary Market Engagement on behalf of Rochford District Council for the upcoming procurement of its Mill Hall Arts and Events Centre Operator tender. The Council is looking to appoint a supplier to manage and operate the Mill Arts and Events Centre. The contract will be formed of leasehold and management contract thereby transferring the operation of the Mill and all its activities to an external party. The Council will be seeking a long-term commitment with an experienced company, organisation or trust that combines prudent business planning as well as artistic vision and innovation. Your feedback will be invaluable in helping us ensure the contract is structured in a way that delivers value for money, promotes sustainability, and supports innovation.
To take part in this event please follow this link:
https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=01e94565-09bb-f011-813a-005056b64545
Please provide responses where applicable. You are not required to answer every question - focus on areas relevant to your expertise or service offering.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
8 December 2025
Contracting authority
Rochford District Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMRR-6539-DYRW
Library,
8 Roche Cl
SS4 1PX
United Kingdom
Email: andrew.clark@rochford.gov.uk
Region: UKH37 - Essex Thames Gateway
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
Essex County Council
Summary of their role in this procurement: Procuring on behalf of Rochford District Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWVM-4844-NRQH
County Hall, Market Road
Chelmsford
CM1 1QH
United Kingdom
Region: UKH36 - Heart of Essex